understandable

[uhn-der-stan-duh-buhl]

adjective

1. capable of being understood; understood; comprehensible.

Other Word Forms

• understandability noun
• understandably adverb
• nonunderstandable adjective
• ununderstandable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of understandable¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English: originally, “capable of understanding”; understand + -able

Example Sentences

Moore’s statements represented a dramatic shift from his comments last week, when he said the media reports had generated an ‘understandable mistrust’ of the Fire Department.

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Both Erin and Marcellino expressed some sympathy for the “pick-me girls,” and agreed that their behavior is understandable given a morally bankrupt situation.

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City Council’s public safety committee — two days before the full council approved his appointment as chief — that the reports had generated an “understandable mistrust” of the fire department.

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“Lord Fredrick will be here in time for supper. He has many acquaintances in the city, and wished to pay a call at his club’s accommodations in London before settling in. It is quite understandable.”

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Fourteen itemized complaints, most concerning fiscal matters, are presented with sobriety, plus a slow burn of understandable anger.

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Related Words

• acceptable 
• coherent 
• comprehensible 
• intelligible 
• justifiable 
• logical 
• reasonable 
• recognizable www.thesaurus.com
• simple